Those links didn't work, but let's check a few other things.
First, make sure there is a leak and the pool is truly dropping because I've had similar symptoms before. Fill a bucket and mark the water level and compare to the pool drop to be sure it isn't evaporation.- Thanks! Will try this tonight
When you connect the cleaner you lose prime at the pump, but still have water in the skimmer? (This is unlike the situation where you have the valve open and you vortex down into the skimmer introducing air there?) When you say immediate, it's right when you connect it, correct?Yes I lose prime at the pump, the skimmer never loses water. Yes it is almost immediately when i connect it. maybe 1 second. Also when i turn on the pump to begin (no cleaner attached), a large amount of air comes out of the return making the water bubble a lot in the pool for about 2 to 3 seconds.
The reason why I ask as this gives an indication where the air is getting in. If it takes several seconds, it may be out in the yard. If it is right away, it is at the pump. I can say that if I closed my main drain all the way and tried to vacuum, I would get a large air pocket in my pump from the high suction pressure. The reason why it wouldn't happen until you started the cleaner is because the suction pressure is a lot more negative at the pump when you connect it than when you don't. It could be the difference of leaking by at the lid or not.. The lid seems as tight as possible as i have a brand new gasket and lid. The only thing i haven't done is lube the gasket, but i cant try that. I have also tried the shaving cream test on all joints,lid and plus with none of them sucking it in the system.
Also one thing ive noticed today- with the pump on the air bubbles come out in spurts, about every 2 seconds- if it had an air leak wouldnt it be constant?